PH surpasses Tokyo Olympics medal count — Tolentino

Manila, Philippines —PHILIPPINE Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino was both fearless and realistic in his prediction for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

“We will definitely make it happen. We will definitely surpass Tokyo (Olympic Games),” Tolentino said Tuesday at the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The Philippine team reached its peak at the Olympic Games three years ago in Tokyo, when they won their first gold medal thanks to weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz. They also won two silvers and a bronze medal thanks to boxers Nesthy Petecio, Carlo Paalam and Eumir Marcial.

According to Tolentino, everything points to a similar or even greater medal tally in Paris, where 22 Filipino athletes, led by world number two pole vaulter EJ Obiena and world gymnastics champion Carlos Yulo, along with a team of five boxers, will compete for fame, fortune and glory, along with other athletes in track and field, gymnastics, weightlifting, swimming, rowing, golf and fencing.

Filipino athletes no longer lack support, training and motivation, unlike the years when the country failed to win a single medal – of any color – at the Olympic Games.

Members of Team Philippines have spent the past few weeks in Metz, France, just a 90-minute train ride from Paris and 30 minutes overland from Germany and Belgium, for the final stages of their training and acclimatization.

“With this template and preparation, we will make it happen,” Tolentino said during the forum hosted by San Miguel Corporation, the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, Smart/PLDT, MILO and ArenaPlus, the Philippines’ leading sports entertainment company.

The Olympic Games in Paris will take place from July 26 to August 11. According to the schedule, Yulo will have the chance to present the first medal for his country in the French capital.

“A week in time. Excited after class. Can use my Hindi after meals,” Tolentino said.

The POC leader, who was responsible when the country won four medals in Tokyo, expects a similar or even higher return this time around.

“Pinaka-magandang conservative (prediction) is that we will surpass the Tokyo (haul). Actually, we surpassed the number of athletes from 19 to 22. My goal was 25 if cycling and skateboarding (would make it). Kung pumasok ang basketball ibang usapan,” he said.

“But we will definitely surpass Tokyo. Bahala na kayo kung one gold, two gold or three gold basta ma- surpass natin yung Tokyo. We are all excited. Iba na yung mood ng athletes, level up na lahat. So, I want to thank the Philippine Sports Commission and our private partners and the Office of the President,” the POC chief said. TMT